The LORD of Wisdom

The LORD of Wisdom

Here’s a Proverbs fact for you: Chapter 16 uses the word LORD more than any other chapter of the book, except for one—the previous chapter. In Proverbs 16, the LORD is mentioned 10 times in 33 verses. This tells us something. While the work and wisdom of the Lord is obviously clear throughout the entire book, these two chapters together signal to us that we should pause to consider our highest Authority with extra care and attention. I encourage you to personally spend additional time studying the principles we find so that you can enjoy the rich truths of who the LORD is and how He ministers to us.

First, in verse 1, the LORD gives. The verse indicates that the LORD gives “the preparation of the heart of man and the answer of the tongue.” As humans we possess remarkable ability to think ahead, articulate our thoughts, and communicate with others. However, we should have some humility. Our verser reminds us that we have no ability to think, to make plans, or to even speak without the Lord giving us those abilities.

Second, notice in verse 2 that the LORD weighs. Specifically, He “weigheth the spirits.” We tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought; in our own eyes our actions are justified and clean. However, here we are reminded the LORD knows the true spirit of our heart. What is clean to sinful man is not clean before God, because His scales of justice are perfect.

Third, the LORD establishes our thoughts. Notice verse 3: when we commit our works unto the LORD, He promises that our “thoughts shall be established.” If you’re struggling in your thought life, commit your activities and strength to Him. Use your work in ways that please Him, and He will establish your thoughts.

Fourth, see that the LORD creates. Verse 4 explains not only that is He the universe’s Creator, but also that He “hath made all things for himself, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” Colossians 1:16 says “all things were created by him and for him.” Revelation 4:11 says, “for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.“ Everything is the LORD’s creation, and everything is intended to bring Him glory. The LORD creates.

Fifth, in verse 5 we are told that the LORD punishes. Specifically, he punishes “every one that is proud in heart,” and no one can prevent it. “Though hand join in hand“ makes me think of the account of the Tower of Babel. Those defiant unbelievers thought that if they united together, “nothing will be restrained from them” and they could act with impunity. However, their numbers and their unity could not prevent consequences. God punished their defiance by scattering them abroad upon the face of the earth and confounding their language. Those who defy God today will find a similar fate.

Sixth, notice from verse 6 that the LORD purges. Specifically, He purges iniquity. The proverb tells us that this cleansing happens “by mercy and truth.” The LORD, of course, is the perfect embodiment of mercy and truth. The proverb is indirectly telling us, then, that the LORD is the one who can purge iniquity. If you know what it means to be saved, your iniquity has been purged by the mercy and truth of the Cross. Dear Christian, take time to thank God today for His mercy in your life, and the truth of His Word that’s been entrusted to your care.

The seventh thing about the LORD is that He reconciles. Notice verse 7. “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” If we will trust the LORD to do what is right, we may see our enemies become friends. The righteous reconciliation of enemies is something that only the LORD can do. He has already reconciled us to Himself through the Cross, so He can certainly reconcile humans to each other.

The eighth we see is that the LORD directs. Notice verse 9. “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” This verse is a great summary of how man’s free will coexists with God’s divine plan. Man is responsible for the choices of his will, but ultimately the Lord decides how those choices will coordinate with his behavior.

The ninth action we see is that the Lord makes happy. For this we skip down to verse 20: “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good; and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.” You have seen the promises of blessing and reward to those who trust the Lord from previous points. This is a summary of all those blessings.

Lastly, the tenth activity of the LORD is that He disposes. Notice verse 33, the last verse of Proverbs 16. The word “disposing” in this verse communicates the idea of judging. The phrase “the lot is cast into the lap” is an idiom for happenstance. Foolish men may flip a coin to make a decision because they think the world is guided by chance, but those who know the Lord know better. It’s so much better to seek God’s face in a matter than to make blind decision, and to let Him guide your decisions as you seek His judgment. As we have seen in Proverbs 16, those who trust the Lord in this way will be blessed.

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The above article was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. He is the pastor of NorthStone Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fl. To offer him your feedback, comment below or email us at strengthforlife461@gmail.com.

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